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Check Out the Fall Xbox Live Update This Monday

GeekSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:40:39 -0700

Get a sneak peek at what's in store for the Fall Xbox Live Update preview this Monday, where you'll get to check out all of the new fabulous features. Things like being able to change your Facebook and Twitter status straight from your Xbox 360, 1080p video streaming, the ability to create Netflix parties, free music from Last.fm, and a viewing of Games on Demand - coming in early August.

Just make sure you sign up here to get in on Monday's preview!

Daily Tech: Details About the Next Xbox Live Update

GeekSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:40:12 -0700

The next Xbox Live dashboard update will include many more features, such as enhanced Netflix tools - Engadget
Stay tuned for some changes coming to Google Documents - Google Docs Blog
Check out which video games came out this week - Green Pixels
Here's a quick look at HTC's latest handset, the Hero - CrunchGear
Switched comes up with 10 of their favorite gadgets for Summer - Switched
Looking for a good gadget deal? Here are some excellent options - Gizmodo

Daily Tech: Tech That Will Change Your Online Life

GeekSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:35:47 -0700

These recent tech announcements are worth getting excited about. - Lifehacker
Apple's new MacBook Pros get unboxed. - Engadget
Ten percent of Twitter users generate 90 percent of the content. - BBC News
Ways to save money on video games and consoles. - CNET
Google Maps is adding hiking and biking trails to street view. - USA Today
Xbox Live will be down for up to 24 Hours next Tuesday. - Kotaku
Is there still hope for MySpace?. - CNN Technology

Win an Xbox 360 Console and an Xbox Live Subscription

GeekSugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 01:45:38 -0700

I know it's felt like forever since we've had a giveaway, but we wanted to wait until we had something reallly good, so feast your eyes on this beauty - an Xbox 360 gaming console! And not only that, but Xbox is also throwing in a one year subscription to Xbox Live!

What's great about the Xbox 360 is that it connects you to the entertainment and people you love, whether they’re down the street or around the world. Starting at $199, Xbox offers the largest library of games, hit TV shows for download or streaming from Netflix, so there’s certainly something for every interest and every budget.

To enter, you must log in and take the quiz below. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just by completing the fun quiz once you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member and log in before you take the quiz. If you're not already a member, just register here for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored.

The contest is open to US residents only and ends on May 17, 2009, at 11:59 p.m. (PDT). For Official Rules, click here.

Take the quiz

How to Get Your Xbox Repaired Quickly and Cheaply

GeekSugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:25:17 -0700

I now have a love/hate relationship with my Xbox. Not only did my original Xbox flash me with the "Red Ring of Death" (conveniently just a few days after the warranty expired), but now my replacement Xbox has died as well. Unfortunately, this one only lasted a month.

If you've had an Xbox die on you, don't just rush out and buy a new one - check to see if your warranty is still in effect. Not only does your Xbox come with a one-year manufacturer warranty, but if your Xbox crashes with the dreaded "Red Ring of Death," you're covered for three years from date of purchase.

Since it seems that I'm now a pro at sending in my consoles for repair, find out the best way to get yours fixed on the cheap and back to you fast when you read more.

Although you could call into Microsoft and have someone talk you through the repair process, instead, you should use your tech-savvy skills to your advantage and request a repair online. You don't have to wait on hold for help, and you can print your shipping labels as well as request a shipping box (on Microsoft's dime) to send off your console asap. All the info you'll need is on the Xbox Support website, but you will need a Microsoft Live ID and your purchase receipt to get started.

If your Xbox is no longer covered by warranty, you can still request service through Microsoft online or over the phone for a fee. Be warned though, if you call in to an agent to submit your repair request, you'll be charged $200 versus $100 if you submit your own request online. You should expect your Xbox back to you in working order in about two to three weeks, but mine was right on time at two weeks.

Daily Tech: Dell's Inspiron Mini 9 Gets Put to the Test

GeekSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:00:37 -0700

The $429 Dell Inspiron Mini 9 gets taken for a test drive, and the verdict is in. . . It's much better than the inexpensive EeePCs and low-end UMPCs. - Boing Boing
If you're obsessed with your Twitter page, there's actually a service called Twitterless that will alert you when one of your followers stops following you, so you don't have to take that extra step and go to your follower list. It's invite only at the moment, but stay tuned for public access! - Techie Buzz
You can find friends, lovers, and enemies online, so why doesn't it surprise me that there's actually a website that will find you the perfect car? CarZen is a car consulting tool that will find you the perfect match; in a car, that is. - TechCrunch
Don't make the mistake of thinking that your $7.99 per month subscription to XBOX Live will turn into a yearly subscription once you've paid $50 like this guy did. - Consumerist
It's giveaway time on geeksugar! Log in and participate in our geeky Halloween costume contest for your chances to win a Canon Rebel XSi SLR Digital Camera! - geeksugar

Geek Tip: Use Your Xbox and Register to Vote

GeekSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:40:49 -0700

If you haven't registered to vote because of one lame excuse or another ("I don't know how," "I don't have time," or my fave "It's too complicated") then I have fabulous news for you - you can now take the simple route and register to vote using your Xbox! With all the time you spend playing games, the least you can do is make your voice heard in between Gears of War sessions and Mountain Dew runs.

Partnering up with Rock the Vote, Xbox Live's voter registration is free to access with a Xbox Live membership. And although you can't actually vote from Xbox Live, they make it pretty darn easy to take the first steps in doing your civic duty. Plus, if you've already decided on who you'll be casting your vote for come November, you can participate in online polls, and download gamerpics of your candidate to show your support. How patriotic of you!

Source

Xbox Live Community Games Opens For Business Nov. 19

GeekSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:00:18 -0800

You already play games on your Xbox, download cool demos, even watch movies, but soon if you're an at-home game creator, you can upload your finished games to the Xbox Live Community Game center for purchase. Starting on November 19, independent game creators can make some serious dough by joining the new Xbox Creators Club to create their masterpieces, upload their finished games, and then sit back and check out XBox Live, where people from all across the globe can purchase the new DIY games.

I sat down to chat with Community Games Manager Boyd Multerer recently at a Community Games launch event, and he told me how the idea of selling DIY games got started. To see why he compares the video game industry to the movie industry, and to see my favorite game of the night, just read more.

During my chat with Boyd Multerer, he explained to me how Community Games came about:

The cost of making games is rising quickly, which has caused the gaming industry to look a lot like the movie industry of the 80s - it's all blockbusters. But then Sex, Lies, and Videotape came out, and it was the first real smash independent film to make a lot of money followed by the Blair Witch Project. And now we sort of take for granted that there is a whole bunch of independent movies that you can go see. But we don't have that in the games industry. Community Games is going to allow indie games (and indie game makers) to get some exposure.

There were about 20 DIY games for me to play at the CG Event, but my favorite of the night was CarneyVale. It's a crazy-fun game where you toss a dummy clown from one clamp to another in the air, trying to collect balloons and coins to rack up your score! Look for it when Xbox Live Community Games opens for business on November 19!

Capcom Digital Day: An Early Peek at This Year's Hit Games

GeekSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:30:37 -0700

I was lucky enough to hit up the Capcom Digital Day on Monday to get a sneak peek at Capcom's gaming babies due to show up on store shelves this year. I even got to play a few that I was looking forward to, and some that I wasn't expecting to love - but did! All I have to say is, these people know how to throw a geeky party: games, food, chips and goodie bags? Sign me up! The word of the day should have been Retro since a majority of the games were close to our hearts from hours spent in the arcade - our fave 90's games reborn to fit today's hi-def diet. Yum!

Lost Planet, Colonies
One of the biggest titles to show at Digital Day was Lost Planet, Colonies. This action shooter was intense! Not only were all the bloggers lined up to test their hand at the game, but they kept coming back for more. One of the coolest deets I learned was that you can play as the Akrid (the big scary spider monster) in this title. Normally, you're trying to take down the scary things, but now you can turn the tables on the dudes with the guns. Lost Planet, Colonies ($30) is due May 27 for Xbox 360 and your PC.

There are plenty more titles to see when you read more

Wii Love Golf
Due out in July on the Wii, this colorful and fun golfing game wasn't available for us to demo, but it's one I'm looking forward to playing anyway! Touted as being more realistic than Wii Sports, Wii Love Golf turns your Wiimote into a full set of clubs. Perfect for the player looking for more of a challenge, weather conditions, dips and rises in the greens, even the way you flick your wrist factor into your game.

Plunder
If you like real time strategy games and pirates, then you'll dig Plunder. Available this Summer on Xbox Live Arcade, Playstation Network, and your PC, this multiplayer title is super fun 'cause you get to raid other people's forts, take down their ships and commandeer their supplies, all while maintaining safety on your boats and shores. Savvy?

Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3
In this arcade shooter, the point is to. . .well, shoot! Like in those old school arcade games, just keep firing away at the enemy. With multiplayer action, the game ups the ante, making it more difficult as you add more players. And that's pretty smart. Wolf of the Battlefield is due out this Spring on Xbox Live Arcade for 800 points, and the Playstation Network for $10.

Street Fighter II Super Turbo HD Remix
Quite a title, huh? It's the Street Fighter you remember and love, but way nicer to look at. All 17 Street Fighter characters are back and drawn by the same artists that brought you the original. It sure was a trip to play one of my bowling alley staples after so long! Look for Street Fighter II Super Turbo HD this Summer on Xbox Live Arcade and the Playstation Network.

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Get Your Game On: March Releases

GeekSugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 06:30:52 -0800

Can you smell that? Not only is Spring in the air, but I'm getting a slight whiff of Super Smash Bros Brawl! Release day is finally drawing near, and although it's not the only game that I'm looking forward to, it's definitely at the top of my "must buy" list this month. Bonus for me, my local Gamestop is hosting an in-store Brawl showdown (with some pretty sweet prizes), to help count down the minutes until midnight when we can take our own copies home!
But there are other games out there for me to get excited about as well. I'm also looking forward to some bugs, some space men and a few ghosts to fill my gaming quota. Check out a few more of my choice selections – while I warm up my Brawling thumbs – when you read more

**New Video Game Releases (March 2008)**
Why You'll Love It	Console/Price	Release Date
Super Smash Bros. Brawl! - We've all been waiting a looong time for this one! Finally hitting the shelves this month, SSBB should be "the" game to own this Spring.	Nintendo Wii, $50	Coming March 9
Insecticide - On an Earth overrun with pesticides, bugs have become the intelligent species. You play as Detective Chrys Liszt, solving crimes in the city of Troi in this film noir action adventure game.	Nintendo DS, $30	Available March 11
Summer Sports: Paradise Island - I have been looking forward to this game for awhile, especially since the weather is still cold. So I can pretend to be on a warm beach playing volleyball, mini golf, horseshoes, and basketball. Like a virtual vacation. Ahhhh!	Nintendo Wii , $40	Get it March 27
Rocketmen: Axis of Evil - This space age shooter has you taking down enemy aliens, of course. Shoot 'em up using one of the many weapons at your disposal.	Xbox 360 Live Marketplace, 800 points	Out now. Get it only on Xbox Live Marketplace
The Lost Crown: Ghost Hunting Adventure - You travel to a forgotten town to uncover the myth of the Saxon Crown. Use ghost hunting devices to coax the dead to guide you through the mystery. If the trailer doesn't creep you out, I'm sure the game will!	PC, $30	Out now. Get it online.
Army of Two - You and a pal rely on each other as you navigate super high-risk military missions in this third person shooter. Plus, you can compete against other "army of twos" online to earn guns and armor.	Xbox 360, Playstation 3, $60	Out now. Order it online.